What you need to drive a motorcycle, motor tricycle, limited-speed motorcycle and moped in Ontario

In Ontario, there are 12 different classes of licence. Each class qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The class of licence you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving. You need a Class G licence to drive a car, van or small truck. You must have a Class G licence before you can be licensed to drive most other types of vehicles. The only exception to this rule is motorcycles and mopeds; you may get a Class M licence without first getting a Class G licence.

To drive a motorcycle (other than a motor tricycle or a limited-speed motorcycle), you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid motorcycle licence (Class M1, M2 or M).

You must have the proper type of licence plate attached to the rear of your motorcycle or moped, as well as valid vehicle registration. You must also have liability insurance. Carry your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance card with you in case a police officer asks to see them.

To drive a motor tricycle, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid M1, M2, or M licence, or an M2 or M licence with an M condition. The M condition is added to your licence if you pass the Level One or Level Two road test using a three-wheeled motorcycle. The M condition means you are licensed to drive a three-wheeled motorcycle only.

To drive a limited-speed motor­cycle or a moped, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid M1, M2 or M licence, or an M2 or M licence with an L condition. The L condition is added to your licence if you pass the Level One or Level Two road test using a limited-speed motorcycle or moped. The L condition means you are licensed to drive either a limited-speed motorcycle or a moped only.

As of November 28, 2005, you can no longer operate a moped with a Class G1, G2, G or other non-motorcycle class licence. You must have a Class M1, M2, M2(L), M(L) or M licence.

You can get more information on the other classes of licences — A, B, C, D, E, F and G — in the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook, the Official MTO Truck Handbook and the Official MTO Bus Handbook. The Official MTO Air Brake Handbook tells you how to qualify to drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Some recreational vehicles have special licence requirements. If you plan to drive an off-road vehicle or snowmobile, see Part Two of the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook. If you plan to pull a trailer behind a motorcycle, see more information here, in this handbook.